Take a break from the soaring temperatures, and sign up for a weekend bike trip to Tapola, Maharashtra’s very own ‘Heaven on Earth’
The Musafirs trail down the muddy terrain of Kolhapur. PICS/THE MUSAFIRS MOTORCYCLE CLUB
When we hit the road in a car, we are contained in a private space. Our interactions with nature are perhaps a quarter more arresting than hours spent in front of the television. To break out of that frame, we need to be on a cycle. “You’re in the scene, not just watching it anymore,” explained Robert M Pirsig in his fictionalised autobiography, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Minnesota or Maharashtra, teachings of the road are no less amplified. Besides trysting the many moods of nature, a collective biking experience is also about bonding and someone watching your back. A weekend trip to Tapola, a hill station in Satara district, promises to parcel both the impressions.
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A moment from the club’s previous trip to Ladakh
Sharmishta Chakravorty, co-founder of The Musafirs Motorcycle Club — a Thane-based hobby club that’s organising the trip to Tapola, said, “Riding solo or with a group depends on a person’s preferences, but in the eleven years that we have completed as a club, we have never left anyone behind on the road. Knowing that someone has your back is a reassuring feeling.” Why Tapola? Chakravorty says they wanted some respite from the sweltering weather in the city. And the obvious answer was a hill station with ample green cover. “Given our bikers’ instinct, we also wanted to have at least 250 km under our belt. Lonavala couldn’t have been an option,” she adds. The group is thrilled to witness the temperature drop to 20 degree Celsius at night in Tapola.
Some help on the road is always welcome
Once participating bikers reach the destination, they will be hosted at a resort. The tour is more about the road; being present to its twists and turns will give attendees an actual taste of what The Musafirs believe in. This particular trip starts on a Saturday morning with all bikers meeting at Datta Vada Pav Centre near Panvel. Chakravorty estimates it will be a seven-hour ride until they are greeted by the cool breeze at Koyna dam and Tapola Lake. The lake bound by lush green mountains fetches the place its “mini-Kashmir of Maharashtra” moniker. The biker tells us the one-night stay at the hill station will be dotted with activities such as boating and kayaking. She excitedly shares, “We have also arranged for a DJ night as this ride will mark the club’s 150th excursion.”
Sharmishta Chakravorty
With one relaxing tour in their kitty, The Musafirs have their eyes set on higher frontiers. In July, we are planning two challenging trips to Leh and Spiti Valley. The biker mentions that their plans for Leh involve a visit to the OP Baba Shrine in Siachen Valley. This guild of travellers are clearly out of the frame and merrily placed in the scene.
On: May 7 to 8
Meeting Point: Airoli Toll Naka, 4.30 am or Hotel Welcome, Palaspa Phata, Panvel, 5.15 am
Log on to:: themusafirs.com
Call: 9821178718 or 9819897843 to register
Cost: Rs 3,950
Freewheeling safely
>> Be psychologically prepared to face inevitable conditions on the road.
>> Being in the sun for long hours can lead to dehydration. So, carry extra water bottles.
>> Carry ORS. Drinking plain water is not enough, as it doesn’t make up for the essential salts you lose through perspiration.
>> Set realistic targets. A 300 km-distance is an achievable goal in this heat. Don’t try to cover 700 km.
>> Riding on the road is dusty business. To stay protected, bikers should invest in a good balaclava.
>> Start as early as 5 am and end the ride by 11 am.
>> While on the road, it’s best to eat local fare.Junk food can upset your stomach.
By Brijesh K Kirtonia, biker
In and around Mumbai
Of cityscapes:
If you are keen to know the city through different temporal and spatial lenses, a half-day bike tour taking you through Oval Maidan, Bombay High Court, Dhobi Ghat, Rajabai Clock Tower and other halts could be your jam.
On: Choose a date as per your convenience
Log on to: tripadvisor.in
Cost: Rs 13,292 per adult
For the early riser
Sign up for this biking experience if you want to prepare for a busy day along with the city. The tour will start from Marine Drive and show you how Mumbai wakes up and slowly comes alive.
On: Choose a date as per your convenience
Log on to: tripadvisor.in
Cost: Rs 1,901 per adult
A long ride
Traversing snow:
Absorb the sounds of Srinagar’s local markets, reach Khardung-La via Nubra Valley to catch sight of the endorheic lake, Pangong Tso on this bike trip to Leh-Ladakh.
On: May 23 to 28
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 21,999 onwards
Riding tall and together:
The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is back to raise awareness and $ 6 million for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. Mumbai will participate in the charitable ride.
On: May 22, 8 am to 4 pm
Log on to:: allevents.in
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